Struggling with Achilles Pain? Let’s Talk Tendinopathy

Ever noticed some discomfort or stiffness in your Achilles, especially when you’re going all out or pushing yourself in activities? Maybe it gets a bit sensitive to touch, making those favourite runs or sports sessions less enjoyable?

You could be experiencing Achilles Tendinopathy, a condition where the thick, fibrous band connecting muscles to the bone, known as the tendon, undergoes inflammation, degeneration, or damage. This often comes because of overuse or repetitive strain on the tendon.

The good news is, we’re here to help! We have a team of experts here to talk you through the specifics of Achilles Tendinopathy, what is it, symptoms, and how we can help you treat it.

So, who’s at risk?

While Achilles Tendinopathy can affect anyone, it tends to be more prevalent in certain groups. We see it a lot in runners who rapidly escalate their training intensity, as well as athletes engaged in gymnastics or ball sports. Data shows that there is a higher prevalence among people over 45 and athletes compared to people who are casual exercisers.

Common Symptoms

If you’re experiencing Achilles Tendinopathy, common symptoms can include:

• Pain during movement, especially during high-load or explosive activities.
• Tenderness when touching the affected area
• A reduction in range of motion, and stiffness in the tendon and associated joint.
• Weakness, typically stemming from pain or reduced muscle use, becomes a limiting factor depending on the injury’s timeframe.

Tips for Prevention

We suggest taking a proactive approach to your physical activities to help prevent Achilles Tendinopathy. Some simple tips to help you avoid it include:

• Avoid sudden changes in activity or load within your chosen sport or exercise routine.
• If you’re thinking of starting a new sport, take the time to progressively build specific strength and movement patterns related to that activity (we can help with that).
• Avoid over training: Give your body time to rest and recover post exercise. It’s crucial to allow your tendons and muscles to adapt appropriately before pushing them further.
• Small adjustments, such as choosing appropriate footwear, maintaining a balanced diet, and focusing on technique, can all play a role in reducing your risk of developing tendinopathy.

Physio and Osteo Guidance

If you suspect Achilles Tendinopathy, early intervention is key. We recommend seeing both a Physiotherapist and an Osteopath in the initial stages. This dual approach ensures appropriate loading management alongside hands-on treatment techniques to alleviate pain and speed up recovery.

To get started, book an appointment with one of our therapists for an initial assessment. From there, we can work together to diagnose and prescribe the right treatment plan for you and your lifestyle.

Book an appointment online or by calling 02 6021 2777.